Everyday Money Saving Tips: Part 3

During the height of gas prices, I was concerned over the extra expense it might bring to our family's budget. So, I decided to figure out a way to not make this an extra expense for our family. My husband still had to drive to work, so he couldn't cut back on his gas expenses. And since I'm a work-at-home mom, that left it up to me to figure out how I could drive less.

Here are the Top 5 Ways I learned to save on gas expenses...

1. Consolidate trips. Simply put, make one trip to a particular area per week. Whether it be going to the store, dry cleaning, dropping off kids at school, or some other errand, find ways to make those trips by proximity. Try not to make extra trips! You might even find you're more productive in your time management.
   
   
2. Hit the grocery store(s) once per week. The down side: You may be forced to be more organized in your meal planning. The up side: You should spend less on groceries in the end!
   
   
3. Shop online. I found a trip across town to the mall or department store was too much gas, so I started looking online for items I needed to purchase for my family. I found sites such as ShopAtHome, Ebates, eBay, and Amazon were the best sources for inexpensive or cash back options.
   
   
4. Carpool. If you know another family involved in your children's sport or activity, see if you can carpool. The kids will love spending time with their friends and you'll be blessing another mom's gas budget and time!
   
   
5. Stay home. You'd be surprised how much you save just by not allowing yourself to go out. Your house might even get cleaned on a regular basis!

Our Plan:

We set our budget to include a fill-up of my vehicle every 2 weeks. That meant that I had to think ahead and plan ahead for trips to the store, etc. My gas gauge became my gas budget. It was easy to figure out how much driving I was "allowed" each week, for example if I was above half-full by the end of one week, that meant I didn't have to be quite as tight the next week. If I went over, I knew I'd have to cut or consolidate my trips for Week 2.

We've been living this way ever since and on weeks that I don't use it all, we save the additional money for travel expenses on vacation.

• Everyday Money Saving Tips: Part 1 (Television)
  
• Everyday Money Saving Tips: Part 2 (At Home Haircuts)
  

Everyday Money Saving Tips: Part 2

I recently started a series on Everyday Money Saving Tips.

This week's savings tip might be a bit challenging to some... but I encourage you to give it a try!

Cutting your family members' hair. Now, before you say "There is NO way!" think about how much you could save by doing the job yourself. If you stay on top of haircuts, you probably pay around $15-$30 every 3 months per person. With my family of 5, it would cost us $80-$100 every 3 months (and that's at an inexpensive place..... with a coupon!).

I started cutting my husband's hair a few years ago when we were looking for ways to cut costs. The first haircut was a bit of trial and error, but thankfully he knew (from years of getting his hair cut, duh!) how to do it and talked me through it. By the end of my first hair cutting experience one side burn may have been shorter than the other! But before long I started to get pretty good at it.

Let's talk cost... Here's what you need to get started:

• Clippers (priced around $15-$30)
  
• Hair-Cutting Scissors (included in most Clipper Kits)
  
• Spray Bottle ($1 at Target)
  
• Comb / Brush
• Sheet or Cape from Beauty Supply Store
  

If you have daughters, simple trims might be the way to begin. You might decide to rotate every other hair cut (i.e. trim at home, then at the salon). For boys, you could go simple with a buzz cut, or simply watch the next time the barber cuts his hair and take notes!

If you're still not confident in doing it yourself, watch some of the many Youtube videos on how to cut hair. On a side note... I think they should have the slogan, "There's a YouTube for that!" I'm amazed at how much information and How-To's you can find on YouTube.com!

So, you may have noticed that I haven't mentioned cutting my own hair. And to be honest, I get it done. With all the savings from cutting my family's hair, and since I rarely get my hair cut, we've decided that the expense is worthwhile. Plus, I'm not a big spender when it comes to haircuts. I've found a reasonably-priced salon and have good results with them. However, if any of you cut your own hair, maybe you can give me some tips!

• Everyday Money Saving Tips: Part 1 (Television)
• Everyday Money Saving Tips: Part 3 (Save on Gas)
  

Everyday Money Saving Tips: Part 1

As we’ve gone through a job loss, my eyes have been opened to all sorts of ways to pinch our pennies even more. I thought I’d share some practical tips on how you can save money in ways outside of coupons.Let’s talk TV. . . I’ve got to be honest with you. Our family likes our television time. It helps my husband and I unwind at the end of a day. It’s a great distraction for my kids when Mommy needs some "down time". From ESPN for the hubs to Food Network for the dreaming chef inside of me, it’s just a nice amenity to have in our lives.

However, sometimes finances are tight. Whatever the circumstance - whether it’s a job loss, need for home or auto repair, or just trying to cut expenses – I have found it absolutely do-able to cut out TV. Gasp! I can’t believe I just said that…

No really, you can do it. Here’s how. First of all, there are SO many resources to get your television “fix” as we may call it. There's probably even more than this, but I’m listing a few here…

INTERNET Based Options:

Using a VGA cable like this one as well as an audio cable (for newer televisions) will allow you to connect your computer/laptop to your television. Your computer screen will show on your television. It’s that simple! Check your computer and TV for connections then go talk to a computer guru at the store if you're not sure what I'm talking about. Trust me, I didn't know until I asked. UPDATE: I found a great site to walk you through connecting your PC to your TV HERE.

Hulu.com ~ A favorite of mine! You can watch free movies, television series shows, and more right from your computer.

Crackle.com ~ A site to watch free movies, television shows, and more from your computer.

ESPN3.com ~ One of my husband’s favorites. He’s able to watch football and other sports with this fabulous online “channel.”

ABC.com ~ Shows episodes as early as a day behind regularly scheduled program time.

CBS.com ~ Shows episodes as early as a day behind regularly scheduled program time.

Fox.com ~ Shows episodes as early as a day behind regularly schedule program time.

TNT.tv ~ Shows episodes as early as a day behind regularly scheduled program time.

Amazon.com Video on Demand ~ From $.99 to $3.99, rent movie from your computer. Use Swagbucks to get FREE Amazon.com giftcards, making these free.

NON-INTERNET Based Options:

Digital to Analog Television Converter ~ You may already have one! The government was handing out free $40 coupons for these a while back. Amazon sells them for around $50. Here's one for only $40! Buy it once and never pay again. Depending on your area, you should receive local channels and more. You may need to buy those attractive rabbit ear antennas, but all in all your total expense is around $50-$70. For some, this is less than the cost of one month’s cable or satellite service!

Library ~ I’ve mentioned it before, but never overlook the beauty of free books, movies, and more from your library!

Blockbuster Express & Redbox ~ Movies for only $1.00! Look for these boxes in your area.

• Everyday Money Saving Tips: Part 2 (Haircuts)
• Everyday Money Saving Tips: Part 3 (Save on Gas)
  

FREE Online Budgeting Software!

Are you trying to create a budget but don't know where to start? Check out Mint.com's FREE service!

1-800-GOOG-411

I was excited to hear about this new feature (apparently just new to me...) from Google the other day... You probably know that whenever you call "411" to find a phone number, you're paying a fee for this service.

Well, Google is giving you a FREE option to find that phone number. Simply call "1-800-GOOG-411", give the location and business type, and they'll connect you free of charge. Note, this service is not available for residences - only businesses.Click HERE for details and to watch a short video on how to use 1-800-GOOG-411.

More helpful info:
If you don't want the business you're calling to get your caller ID information, simply punch in *67 before your call and they will not receive your info.

Save Money on Paper & Ink!

I am super excited about this website I recently came across, okay actually I JUST found it! I've tried it out on a couple of sites and found it to be very easy.

When you want to print something from a website, open a new tab and go to printfriendly.com. Then all you do is copy and paste the URL of the page you want to print and enter it in at printfriendly.com. You are then able to remove images, ads, and any text you don't need to print.

You'll end up saving on wasted paper and ink! Click HERE to view their short tutorial.

Looking to Replace Old Appliances?

Right now, Home Depot is offering FREE delivery & haul-away. Plus, when you shop through ShopAtHome, you'll receive 5% back on your total purchase!

Click HERE to learn more about ShopAtHome, plus get $5 just for registering for FREE!

So, here's my advice when I'm making a big purchase... Go to the store and make your selection, then GO HOME. Go online to order! Often times you'll find the online price is less expensive AND you'll get the added benefits of coupon codes and earning money back.

Money Saving Tip! - FREE Movie Rentals

There are many ways to save on movie rentals and in fact, you can get them FREE any day of the week! In this age of internet, with everything at the tip of our fingers, we forget how resourceful our local library is. I often find brand new movie releases readily available within a couple of weeks of their release date. Plus, in many cases, you can keep them for a week rather than the shorter timeframe most movie rental companies place on you. Most libraries have websites where you can reserve your books or movies ahead of time and pick them up when they are ready. With my 3 young children in tow, this saves me from having to quiet my children every minute while I look for a book/movie!

Other sources for FREE movies include:

• Redbox - You'll find these convenient red movie vending machines at select gas stations, grocery stores, drugstores, and fast food restaurants. Click HERE to find one in your area.When you sign up at InsideRedbox.com, you can receive a FREE movie rental code each Monday straight to your cellphone. Without a free code, movies rent for only $1/night + tax.

• Blockbuster Express - You'll find these convenient blue movie vending machines at select gas stations, grocery stores, drugstores, and fast food restaurants. Click HERE to find one in your area. Movies rent for only $1/night + tax. I often find Rent 1 Get 1 FREE codes that I pass on to you. You can find the most recent code HERE.

• Amazon Movies On Demand - Without going out, you can save on gas and rent a movie to play right away (or save for later) on you PC or laptop! If you're tech-savvy, you can hook it up to your TV and watch as well. This is a wonderful convenience and many movies are priced at $.99/each!
  

For more Money Saving Tips, click HERE.

Money Saving Tip! - Travel This Holiday Season

This season, thousands of Americans will be hitting the road to visit family, go on a long-awaited vacation, or just feel the need to go out and... "hit the road." :) So, to plan a budget for your travels, figure out what kind of traveling you'll be doing and what is most affordable.

Cut back where it's not necessary to spend a lot so that you can splurge a little on the things that matter most to you. For instance, when our family goes on trips, we bring snacks and "side items" in the car, so that when we stop at a fast food drive-thru, we can order burgers or nuggets off the $1 Menu, get water to drink or use pre-packed beverages and we'll only spend around $7 for our family of 5 to eat out! If going through a drive-thru doesn't appeal to you, bring along a cooler with sandwiches and other snacks and you'll only stop for gas!

If you have young children, be sure to pack along toys or games that are good for traveling. I have these items set aside for trips so that they are "new" to my kids for trips such as these. My hope is always that it will keep their attention off "Are we there yet?" types of questions... :) The $1 aisle at Target is great for these types of things!

Do you have a travel saving tip? Let me know in a comment below!

Money Saving Tip! - Kids Eat Free Resource Site!!

Though it doesn't happen often, we like to go out to eat as a family. In our frugal way of living, we still look for coupons and discounts to save.

...and I agree!

Go to MyKidsEatFree.com, click "Search" and Select your State. You'll be able to choose your City and a Day of the Week and find out what restaurants in your state offer Kids Eat Free days.

It's so simple and so helpful!

I do recommend you call the restaurant to be sure the information is accurate. Unfortunately, in this economy, it seems like some restaurants are limiting this service to their customers more and more.

I hope your family is able to afford a night out to eat and take advantage of the deals that restaurants offer.

Money Saving Dinner! - Taco Wraps

This is one of the ways that we keep food costs low in our house. Prepping dinners and lunches ahead and freezing them is a great way to have food ready to go without having to run through a fast-food drive thru.

One of our new favorites is Taco Wraps. This is a healthier option to Taco Bell and you'll get a lot more food for your buck.

Here's what you need:
(some items are optional)

Each of these items were bought on sale at the lowest cost. And all of them (except the sour cream) can be frozen or stored in the pantry until you have all the ingredients to make the dish!

Here's my price breakdown on ingredients:

• Ground Beef = $1.44/lb on sale w/coupon
  
  
• Shredded Cheese, 8 oz = $.59 on sale w/coupon
  
  
• Whole Wheat Tortillas, 8-ct = $1.52 at Walmart
  (Get plain Flour Tortillas even cheaper!)
  
  
• Refried Beans = $.88
  
  
• McCormick Taco Seasoning = FREE w/coupons
  
  
• Salsa = $.90
  
  
• Sour Cream (optional) = $.47
  
  
• Chopped Onions (optional) = $.30 on sale
  
  
• Chopped Green Peppers (optional) = $.42 on sale

TOTAL = $5.33 for 8 wraps

Here are the steps to make this dish:Place cooked ground beef, refried beans, and salsa in a bowl and mix thoroughly. I used 1 lb cooked ground beef, 1 cup salsa, and 1 can beans, but you can add to your taste.

Next, lay out your tortilla wrap and place 1/3 -1/2 cup meat mixture in center and top with shredded cheese.
Fold your wrap as pictured.

When you're done place your wraps in a gallon size freezer bag and freeze! These are great to grab straight out of the freezer and place in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Top with cheese and sour cream if you'd like.

Substitutions:

• Switch out the beef for shredded chicken.
• Use rice or instead of refried beans.
• Use corn tortillas in place of flour tortillas.
• Omit cheese, if dairy is an issue.
  

Money Saving Tip! - Saving Money w/ Magic Jack

I have been hearing about Magic Jack for a few months now, and like always, I like to find out how other people's experience is before I try it for myself...



That being said, with this FREE 1-month trial, I am definitely going to check it out. I plan on keeping my current phone service just in case... I've heard there are some quirks about it with clicking noises during phone calls, but I've also heard that it can be remedied if you simply unplug your Magic Jack from your computer at night.

Magic Jack simply plugs into your computer's USB port and you can choose your own phone number (whether it's local to you or your family in another town). It's your choice! There are some really great options with Magic Jack. I'll let you know what I think.

Want to take the plunge with me and try it out on this free trial?!
Our family pays around $40/month for phone service, so this is DEFINITELY and money saver!!

Money Saving Tip! - Eyeglasses for Cheap!

If you're in need of inexpensive glasses, this may be a site worth checking out. I know there are more sites like this one, but this was recommended to me. It's called Zenni Optical and their prices are as low as $8.00!!

Another option is:

Check out both sites for the best deal!

Now, I will say that there are some drawbacks to ordering your glasses online, but if you can get past them, then it's a great deal!

Drawbacks to Ordering Online:

1. You can't try them on to see how the size and fit are before ordering.
   
   
2. I have heard stories about incorrect prescriptions put in the lenses (not specifically from this company), so I might not recommend this for children if they are not able to tell you if things look right through the lenses.

For someone like me who wears glasses only when I'm not wearing contacts (evenings and mornings), this might be a great option!

Check out their site and see if it's right for you!! It sure would be a money saver!!!

Money Saving Tip! - Saving money on printer ink

A couponing friend gave me this tip a while ago, but for some reason I didn't take the time to do it until now. Well, don't wait because you could be saving a bundle on your printer ink with a this simple little tip!

If you haven't switched your printer settings yet, here's a quick and easy tutorial that will save you a bundle on ink!

Once you are logged on to you computer, take the steps below:

1. Open your START menu, click on "Control Panel."
2. In the Control Panel box, click on "Printer."
3. Find the printer you use in the list, right click over it (a small box will pop up).
4. Click on "Printing Shortcuts" tabs at top.
5. Your current settings are probably "General Everyday Printing." You'll need to scroll down the list and select "Fast/Economy Printing."
6. In the bottom right corner, click on "Apply."
7. Click "OK" and you're done!

You'll be amazed at how quickly your printer will spit out your printing jobs! With this setting, it will only print in black and white, so if you come across a coupon that requires it be printed in color, you'll need to switch your settings back.

I hope this helps you save a bundle on your printer ink!!

Money Saving Tip! - Paper Towels vs. Dish Rags

How many of us use paper towels everyday to clean up spills - not to mention our messy kid's faces? I do! ...or rather did. But, have you noticed how expensive they can be? It's tough to find paper towels free these days. Occasionally, you can come across a great deal, but what do you do in between deals? Really, what did people do before paper towels?!

This ole' thing called the dish rag (or wash rag) was the item of choice for these types of clean-ups. I know a lot of people use sponges in the kitchen, but I switched from that years ago when I learned of all the bacteria that can grown in them. Yuck!! I know you can clean them, but it still costs more than simply using a washable dish rag.

Things like paper towels are making me wonder... Is it really a necessity?

Over 4 years ago, I purchased a 12-pk of mop cloths at Walmart. Here's an example of what I have. They are beat up, but still do the job of washing the yucky gunk off our pans and dishes. I grab a clean one every morning and it's what I hang over our kitchen sink for easy clean-up all day. I have found it to be the most effective way to clean my now-3-year-old son's face after meals as well. Paper towels have nothin' on this ole' rag!!

My rags are white, so I'm able to wash them in hot water with a little bleach for disinfecting each time. I'm probably due for some new ones finally. I'm considering these... :)



Give this oldie but goodie a try. You'll find you're saving a whole lot. One 18-pack of these mop rags is only $4 at Walmart, whereas paper towels for 4 years would cost you over $200! That's savings!

And as for washing windows and mirrors, grab that old T-shirt and cut it into rags. It works fabulously!

Money Saving Tip! - $.11/bag Microwave Popcorn

I am thrilled to tell you about this super easy (notice I'm all about simplicity) way to make healthy popcorn! I've tried it and will never buy microwave popcorn again - that is, unless I can find it this cheap. At only $.11 per bag, I have found this to be the most cost-effective way to make popcorn. It's a no mess, no fuss method that I'm sure you'll love.

Here's what you'll need:

Yes, that's it! You could add a teaspoon of oil to the bag for flavor, but the simple method I'm showing you involves only the above ingredients.

Add 1/4 cup of popcorn to your brown paper lunch bag - just enough to cover the bottom of the bag when held upright.

Then fold over the top edge twice like so, and lay the bag on it's side in the microwave. This allows more space for the kernels to spread out and prevents burning.

Microwave for approximately 2 minutes. Like always, listen to when it stops popping or if you start to smell burning. Everyone's microwave is a little different, so you'll need to do some trial and error to figure out what the right timing is for yours.

And Ta-Da! You have fresh and healthy popcorn. Add melted butter, salt, or season as you like. There are no additives, just healthy popcorn. My kids are content to eat it as is.

Here's the cost breakdown:

I purchased 100-ct brown paper lunch sacks from Walmart for $1.92 ($.02/bag). Considering I can use the bags more than once is another thing to keep in mind.

I also purchased a 2-lb bag of yellow popcorn for $1.36. Since I only use 1/4 cup each time, that equates to $.09/bag.

This makes my total $.11/bag (or less if you're reusing the bags)!

Thanks to my sis for this money saving tip! Do you have a money saving tip that you'd like me to share on my blog? Email it to me at CouponSavingGame@yahoo.com!

Money Saving Tip! - Date Night In

Click on the picture if you're interested in ordering.

I have not read this book, but the title of it got me thinking... :)

When my husband and I were married almost 10 years ago, a wise person once told us to have a date night every week - no matter what came up. While I cannot say that we have held to this, we do try as often as we can to spend some alone time and stay connected. With 3 kids running around and taking our energy, this can sometimes be a hard thing to remember to do.

Then you add the financial aspect of date night... hiring a babysitter, going out to eat, maybe a movie - it can be quite expensive! So, maybe you just hire a babysitter and simply go out for coffee. That's one way to lower your date night costs. And even better, maybe you have family who can watch your children for free! That's fabulous!

If these are not options or are still too straining on your finances, might I suggest a 3rd option? ...one of which my husband and I take advantage of often.

Do a date night in! Plan on putting the kids to bed a 1/2 hour - 1 hour early (let them read before bed if that helps them keep quiet). Then, light some candles, put on soft music, rent a movie (often free at Redbox!), make a nice meal or order take-out. And then, just enjoy each others company.

If you're into coffee date nights...
There are all sorts of ways to have a date night in. Create a coffee shop flare in your dining room with a little tablecloth, find inexpensive unique coffee mugs or have some made through Cafepress or the like. Buy some delicious coffee or cocoa and some biscotti. I have a yummy recipe for biscotti HERE!

Maybe you like movie date nights...
Pop the popcorn, get some soda, cuddle up on the sofa, put your feet up and enjoy a good cuddle time with your loved one. (These are our go-to dates when it's just been a long week!)

Are you the outdoorsy type?...
Wait until it gets dark, throw a blanket down in your backyard and enjoy an hors d'ouevre picnic and champagne talking under the moonlight. You're still technically home and if you have a baby, just bring a monitor outside with you.

You don't have a to go "out" to have a date. The sky's the limit on special ways that you can spend quality time with your spouse. Make a date "in" this week! Surprise your spouse with a special invitation to your date in. They're sure to love it!

Money Saving Tip! - Gift Giving on the Cheap

Giving gifts does not have to be expensive. In fact, you can find thoughtful and fun gifts at low prices all the time. It's all about finding the deals out of season and keeping them until you need them!

I love putting together package gifts. I can shop for items all year that I know they'll love, and it allows me to put more thought into it. Add a homemade card and you've got a beautiful fun gift! Who doesn't love opening up a gift basket filled with lots of fun treats and special items?! They don't need to know that you didn't spend a lot.

You might find a discounted basket or a pail in one shopping trip, fill it with thematic fun items that you find throughout the year, and you'll be able to put together little goodie baskets for your friends' birthday, kids birthdays, Christmas, and other special occasions.

Here's an example of a great deal you might take up today.

Word on the street is the travel version of Pictureka! is only $6.99. Use this $5 off printable coupon HERE and you'll end up spending $1.99 for a great game!

Thanks, FrugalCouponLiving for this deal tip!

Match this up with a couple other discounted games (trust me, you'll find lots of deals around Christmas!). Put a card with it to "Set Up A Game Night" and you'll have an excuse to get together with friends! Tell them you'll grab the pizza if they provide the games!

Find more money saving tips HERE.

Money Saving Tip! - Swap w/ Friends

How much stuff do we have that we don't really need or appreciate?! I grew up sharing my clothes with my sister, but why not do a similar swap with other items amongst friends? Personally, I would LOVE to have a swap with some friends.

Here's how it might work:

1. Decide what types of items you and your friends would like to swap, i.e. household furnishings, children's clothing, toiletries (I'm sure we all have a few extras!), movies, music, etc.
   
   
2. Choose up to 3 items you are willing to give away, but be sure they are tasteful, clean, in working condition, and items you can part with.
   
   
3. My favorite part! - Get together with your friends and bring your stuff! Laugh, have fun, plan, and SWAP! Everyone gets a turn to swap with each other and you all go home with a new little something to decorate your house, clothe your children, etc.
   
   
4. Whatever is left over you can donate or take home and continue to use.

I'd love to know if any of you have tried this with your friends before? Please share your stories!

Do you have clothes or kids items you'd like to swap? Check out these sites HERE and HERE! Truly, this idea sounds like a lot of fun to me. I have plenty of "stuff", so who wants to swap?!

Money Saving Tip! - Tips on Freezers

For those of you who have an extra freezer (of whom I'm envious...), this one's for you!

I have always wondered if it would be a good investment to get a freezer in Florida. Afterall, we don't have basements, so unless you have a large home in which to put your extra storage freezer, it usually ends up in the garage. And because the summer months are brutally hot in Florida, I always expected a freezer to end up costing more to run than the savings I would get from stockpiling frozen goods. I've decided this is not true and in fact a good friend of mine let me in on a few tips that I wanted to share with you today!

1. The key to keeping your utility bill down with a freezer is to be sure your freezer is energy efficient. If you received a free freezer from a friend, family member, etc, find out how old it is. The older the freezer, the less energy-efficient it is (meaning it will take more energy to keep things cold - thereby a higher utility bill!). Sometimes it's better to say "No" to hand-me-down freezers. Even though it's free, you might end up spending more in energy than if you had just gone out and bought a new freezer.
   
   
2. Next, if you are considering purchasing a freezer, you'll need to decide what type of freezer you want (upright or chest). A freezer chest is typically less expensive, whereas an upright door freezer might be more convenient. Which will you actually use and not dread digging through? Weigh the pros and cons before purchasing.
   
   
3. Finally, keep your freezer fully stocked. It makes sense if you think about it... A freezer with a few items is working harder to keep those few items cold, whereas a unit doesn't have to work as hard at keeping things frozen if it's already stocked full of frozen food. Did I explain that well??
   

So, now, what do you stock your freezer with if you simply don't have enough frozen goods in the house?? Containers or jugs of water work nicely, and as an added bonus, you'll be stocked with water if you have loss of water during a storm. Other items might be pantry items such as crackers, pasta, juice, and coffee that can be stored in a freezer as well. Look in your pantry and figure out what you can fill your freezer with.

Now, all I need is a freezer... :)